5
Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth.
6
And all people will see God’s salvation.’ ”
7
John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
8
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
9
The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10
“What should we do then?” the crowd asked.
11
John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
12
Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”
13
“Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.
14
Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”
15
The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah.